FPD selects Michael Walton as next head boys' basketball coach

FPD selects Michael Walton as next head boys' basketball coach

First Presbyterian Day School has named Michael Walton as its next head boys’ basketball coach, announced Monday, April 28 in a team meeting.

MACON, Ga. (FPD RELEASE) – First Presbyterian Day School has named Michael Walton as its next head boys’ basketball coach, announced Monday, April 28 in a team meeting.

Walton brings a wealth of experience to the school, having previously served as head girls’ basketball coach at Wesleyan College for the last three years. During that time, he also spearheaded the strength and conditioning program, and he will continue in that capacity as part of his everyday duties at FPD.

“We’re excited for our boys’ basketball program,” Athletic Director Greg Moore said. “Michael brings great experience, tremendous work ethic, and most importantly, he is a family man of character that desires to see boys grow into young men of integrity. Our players are going to be thrilled to have him on board.”

Walton says he’s looking forward to the opportunity to lead the Vikings to success on the court.

“I’m thankful to Headmaster Gregg Thompson, Greg Moore and all who were involved in this process and for this wonderful opportunity,” Walton said. “I’m extremely excited to build on the great foundation that the coaches before me have established. I’ve always thought FPD presents itself in a first-class manner, and I look forward to the task of leading the boys basketball program.”

Experience is not an issue for Walton, who has served as an assistant coach at the NCAA Division I level.

From July 2009 to July 2011 he was an assistant coach for South Carolina State University. Two years prior to jumping onto the coaching scene, he served as Director of Men’s Basketball Operations for the Bulldogs.

“I coached against Michael when he played multiple sports in high school,” Moore said. “His competitiveness and passion then were evident, and those things have only grown as he’s entered into the coaching ranks in the past few years.”

A standout athlete, Walton attended Rice University on a full basketball scholarship, lettering four years.

He graduated with honors from Mount de Sales Academy, where he was inducted into their Athletic Hall of Fame in 2012. He racked up numerous awards during his time as a Cavalier, including a three-time GISA All-State selection and a three-time Macon Telegraph All-City selection in basketball.

In football, Walton started and lettered four years and was named to the GISA All-State Team three times and the Macon Telegraph All-City four times.

“It’s my focus over the next few years to develop a program that both competes for championships on the court and assists in the development of high-moral, well-prepared citizens off the court,” Walton said. “The potential for success is great and we want to maximize every opportunity to push FPD basketball forward.”